NEWPORT, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today delivered the keynote address at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center's (NUWC) dedication of the new Missiles and Autonomous Systems Laboratory. Senator Reed helped secure $20 million for the project, which will provide 100,000 square feet of secure laboratories and office space to help the U.S. Navy expand its missile and undersea vehicle research and development capabilities. "The cutting edge work at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center is vital to the security of our nation and the future of the U.S. Navy," said Reed. "This building will provide new, consolidated laboratories and a secure communications network for the 150 member Missile/Precision Strike division so that they can provide real-time support to the fleet operating submarine launched Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. This facility will go a long way toward strengthening our nation's defense capabilities." The Naval Undersea Warfare Center is the United States Navy's full-spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, and fleet support center for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, and offensive and defensive weapon systems associated with Undersea Warfare. "Unseen, undetected and powerfully lethal, today's submarines are a critical component our system of national defense. The submarine's ability to collect data and launch missiles without being detected is one of our greatest tools in the war on terrorism. The potential is unlimited, and that is what this lab will focus on," said Reed. The Missiles and Autonomous Systems Laboratory is the culmination of two military construction projects. Working with his Congressional colleagues, Senator Reed helped secure $20 million in federal funding for the project. The building will also provide new space for the Autonomous Systems and Technology Department which is made up of 165 engineers, scientists and technicians. They are dedicated to the research, development and life cycle support of unmanned undersea vehicles. "One of the primary reasons the potential of our submarine force is unlimited is because of the work of the warfare center. Over 2,400 individuals come to work here each day. Most are scientists and engineers. All are dedicated to supporting our sailors who are deployed today, using cutting edge technology, equipment, defensive systems and offensive weapons, many of which were first envisioned, here, at NUWC," stated Reed. NUWC is the largest command in Rhode Island, last year spending $466 million in the state. This amount includes $103 million that was awarded to Rhode Island based businesses, $16.5 million was awarded in construction contracts and over $12.7 million was spent on facility support contracts. NUWC is the hub of Aquidneck Island's thriving defense industry. "Today, with the dedication of this Missiles and Autonomous Systems Laboratory, we mark another milestone in NUWC's notable 138 year history. I commend the leadership and the workforce of NUWC for all they do for the state and our nation. I am glad I have been able to be a part of if and I look forward to the future," concluded Reed.